For many lady golfers, building consistency on the course can feel like a challenge. However, a great round of golf doesn't just come down to how hard you hit the ball, it relies on a repeatable routine and solid mechanics.
In these two quick tutorials, Zoe North breaks down her master steps for a bulletproof pre-shot routine and shares her top tips to help you compress your iron shots for better ball striking every single time.
Part 1: The Ultimate Pre-Shot Routine
Consistency starts before you even take your swing. Building a reliable, simple pre-shot routine helps build muscle memory and settles any on-course nerves. Zoe breaks her personal routine down into three simple steps:
1. The Practice Swings
Before your club ever makes contact with the ball, you need to prime your body for the movement.
The Setup: Take a couple of smooth, controlled practice swings right next to your ball.
The Benefit: This helps your body wake up, establishes your rhythm, and gives you a feel for the turf before the real shot.
2. Alignment and Setup
Once your practice swings are complete, it is time to focus on where you are aiming.
The Setup: Step up to the ball, align your clubface with your target, and build your stance around it.
The Benefit: Proper alignment ensures that your hard work isn't wasted by aiming in the wrong direction, giving you the best possible starting line.
3. Take a Calming Breath
The final step is all about mental control. Golf can be stressful, and tension is the ultimate enemy of a smooth swing.
The Setup: Just before you begin your backswing, pause and take a nice, deep, calming breath.
The Benefit: This simple pause relaxes your muscles, clears your mind, and calms any lingering nerves, leaving you perfectly composed to make a confident swing.
Part 2: How to Pure Your Iron Shots
If you struggle with thin or weak iron shots, the issue usually boils down to how you compress the ball. To help you improve your striking, Zoe highlights two common mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Achieve Forward Shaft Lean
One of the most common errors is "flicking" the wrist at impact, which leaves the club grip behind the ball and results in a weak scoop.
The Setup: At address and through impact, ensure your hands and the grip of the club are slightly in front of the ball.
The Benefit: This forward lean allows you to hit down on the ball, compressing it against the turf for a cleaner, crisper strike and maximum distance.
2. Shift Weight Down and Through
Another frequent mistake is keeping all your weight on your back foot during the downswing, which forces the club to come up into the ball rather than driving through it.
The Setup: Focus on shifting your weight down and all the way through your swing. Your goal should be to finish with your back foot completely up on its toe.
The Benefit: Committing to this weight transfer ensures a downward strike into the ball and creates a powerful, balanced finish that guarantees much better consistency.
